Southwest council of AGRIBUSINESS officers

Barry Evans; Tulia, TEXAS –  PRESIDENT 

Barry has been farming in Swisher County Texas for the majority of his life. His main areas of production include cotton, grain sorghum, and cattle. He has been a dedicated member to Plains Cotton Growers and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Additionally, he has served on multiple National Cotton Council Committees and was previously President and Chairman of the Cotton Foundation.

Otis Johnson; Seminole, Texas –  1st Vice President 

A well respected peanut grower in West Texas. Otis is currently the President of the Western Peanut Growers and has been well involved in the association throughout his farming career. He has farmed peanuts and cotton in the Seminole area for over 20 years and has been a strong advocate for the agriculture industry throughout his career. 

jeff self; springfield, COLORADO –  2ND Vice President 

Jeff Self is a distinguished farmer and agricultural leader from Southeast Colorado, where he operates a diversified farming enterprise cultivating corn, wheat, and sorghum alongside his son Justin.  With nearly four decades of experience, Jeff has built his operation on sustainable practices including strategic crop rotations, minimum tillage, and fallow systems designed to conserve moisture in Colorado's semi-arid climate.  Currently serving as President of the Colorado Corn Growers Association and as a board member of the Southwest Council of Agribusiness, Jeff advocates tirelessly for corn producers and the broader agricultural community at state and federal levels.

JIM SUGAREK; BEEVILLE, TEXAS – PAST-PRESIDENT

A sixth-generation farmer in Beeville, Texas, where he lives alongside his wife Gina and daughter Samantha.  He raises primarily corn, cotton, wheat, milo, and cattle.  He also currently serves as the Texas Corn Producers Association's President and has been on the association's board since 2018.  Previously, he served on multiple National Corn Growers Association action teams and as a liaison for the state association to the national team. The Sugareks are also co-owners of the Blue Ribbon Country Store in Beeville, Texas.

KODY BESSENT; LUBBOCK, TEXAS — SECRETARY/TREASURER 

Current CEO of the Plains Cotton Growers, Kody has been a key player in the promotion of high plains cotton. Previously, he was Vice President of Operations and Legislative Affairs for PCG, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Texas Wheat Producers Board, and Legislative Affairs Director for the High Plains Water District. Kody has been a strong advocate of the agriculture industry and is also a cotton producer in Lubbock County.